Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you’re looking for a fun and delicious treat that will bring smiles to your family and friends, you’ve come to the right place! This Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Soft, cinnamon-filled rolls with a playful blue dough make these treats not only tasty but also visually exciting. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, they are sure to become a beloved addition to your dessert repertoire.

Whether it’s brunch with friends or a cozy night in, these cinnamon rolls add a sprinkle of joy to any occasion. And let’s be real, who can resist the combination of gooey cinnamon goodness and crunchy chocolate cookies? Trust me, once you try them, you’ll understand why this recipe holds a special place in my heart!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cinnamon and crushed chocolate cookies brings a unique taste that everyone will adore.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the vibrant blue color and sweet cookie crumbles on top!
• Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have homemade cinnamon rolls in no time.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a festive gathering or just because, these rolls are sure to impress.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the dough ahead of time and bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating these Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls is easy with just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. Let’s gather what we need!

For the Dough:

• ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Blue gel food coloring

For the Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• ½ cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos)
• ¼ cup mini chocolate chips

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2–3 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)

For the Topping:

• ½ cup crushed chocolate cookies
• Extra mini chocolate chips (optional)

Variations

This Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add Different Fillings: Swap out the chocolate sandwich cookies for your favorite type of cookie crumble or even nuts for added crunch!
• Try Different Icings: Instead of cream cheese icing, drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze for a lighter touch.
• Experiment with Colors: Add different food coloring to create rainbow rolls that will brighten up any table.
• Make Mini Rolls: Roll out smaller pieces of dough into mini versions for bite-sized treats perfect for parties.

How to Make Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy—this step activates the yeast and helps your rolls rise beautifully. Next, stir in the sugar, egg, egg yolk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Adding two cups of flour along with salt creates the base of your dough. Slowly incorporate more flour while kneading until it becomes soft and slightly sticky. Don’t forget to add some blue food coloring during this process! Transfer your vibrant dough to a greased bowl, cover it up, and let it rise until doubled in size—this should take about 1 to 1½ hours.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

While waiting for the dough to rise, let’s whip up that delicious filling! In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until smooth. Stir in those crushed chocolate cookies and mini chocolate chips—this filling is where all that yummy flavor comes from!

Step 3: Roll and Fill the Dough

Once your dough has risen beautifully, lightly flour your surface and roll it out into a rectangle about 14×9 inches big. Spread that mouthwatering filling over the entire surface evenly. Now comes the fun part—roll the dough tightly from one long side to form a log. Slice it into 12 even rolls; each one will be packed with deliciousness!

Step 4: Second Rise and Bake

Place those lovely rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover them again and let them rise for another 30 to 45 minutes until fluffy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then pop them in for about 20 to 25 minutes until they turn golden brown.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Icing

While those rolls are baking away making your kitchen smell divine, let’s prepare our icing! Beat soft cream cheese and butter together until smooth—this is where you get that creamy texture. Gradually mix in powdered sugar along with vanilla extract and milk until everything comes together nicely.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Once your cinnamon rolls are out of the oven—warmly inviting—you can drizzle that luscious cream cheese icing right on top while they’re still warm! Finish them off by sprinkling crushed chocolate cookies and extra mini chocolate chips over everything for an irresistible finishing touch. Serve warm and watch everyone dig in!

Enjoy every bite of these colorful Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls; they are sure to bring joy not just through their playful appearance but also their delightful flavor!

Pro Tips for Making Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Baking these delightful cinnamon rolls is a fun and rewarding experience, and with a few pro tips, you’ll ensure they’re perfect every time!

• Use fresh yeast: Ensuring your yeast is fresh will help your rolls rise properly and achieve that light and fluffy texture. If the yeast doesn’t foam in the warm milk, it’s best to start over with new yeast.

• Knead until just right: Kneading the dough until it’s soft and slightly sticky is crucial for developing gluten, which gives the rolls their structure. Over-kneading can lead to tough rolls, so stop as soon as it feels smooth.

• Adjust food coloring carefully: When adding blue gel food coloring, start with just a few drops. You can always add more if you want a deeper blue, but it’s hard to lighten it once it’s too dark!

• Don’t skip the second rise: Giving the shaped rolls a second rise allows them to become even fluffier. Cover them well and let them rest in a warm place to maximize their volume.

• Serve warm for maximum enjoyment: For the best experience, serve these cinnamon rolls warm right out of the oven. The icing will melt slightly into the rolls, creating a gooey, delicious treat!

How to Serve Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

These Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls are not only a treat for your taste buds but also visually appealing! Presenting them well can enhance the fun factor at any gathering or breakfast table.

Garnishes

• Crushed chocolate sandwich cookies: A sprinkle of crushed cookies on top adds extra crunch and enhances the cookie flavor.
• Extra mini chocolate chips: These tiny bites of chocolate provide an inviting look and an extra burst of sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances out the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls and adds color to your plate.
• Yogurt parfaits: Layered yogurt with granola and berries make for a deliciously healthy side that complements the richness of the rolls.
• Coffee or tea: A warm beverage brings warmth to your breakfast or brunch spread while perfectly pairing with sweet treats like cinnamon rolls.

Enjoy these delightful Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls as a special breakfast or brunch item that will surely impress family and friends!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious treat anytime without the hassle of making them from scratch each time. Here’s how to store and prepare them ahead of time.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container.
• Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For best results, reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Freezing

• Allow the baked rolls to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen rolls, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them for 20-30 seconds until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful recipe!

Can I make Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, let it rise, and then refrigerate it overnight. Just roll and bake them fresh in the morning for delicious warm rolls.

What is the best way to store Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls?

Store your Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for extended freshness.

Can I freeze Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls?

Yes! After baking and cooling, you can freeze these cinnamon rolls. Simply wrap them tightly and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

How do I make the dough blue without too much color?

A few drops of blue gel food coloring mixed into your dough will give it that vibrant hue. Just knead until fully incorporated!

What can I use instead of chocolate sandwich cookies?

You can substitute crushed graham crackers or any other favorite cookies if you’re looking for different flavors while keeping that fun twist!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Cookie Monster Cinnamon Rolls as much as I do! They are not only a feast for the eyes but also delightfully tasty with their gooey filling and creamy icing. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or enjoying a cozy weekend brunch at home, these rolls are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!